【推荐1】Metropolis Book Club

Membership:

All you need to do is to fill out the order form at the bottom of the page, select your first order from our book list and then post the completed form back to us.

Special offers for new members:

As a special offer, you may choose any reduced-price books from our new members’ book list.

Tick the box on your form to order a free watch.

Join before the end of this month and you will receive another free book chosen by our staff.

When you’ve joined:

As a member, you get around 50% off the publisher’s price of every book you buy, what’s more, they come straight to your door. Your free club magazine arrives once a month to let you know about the latest best-sellers we’ve added to our list. You can find all our titles for the year on members’ website. Our website also has a book swap service where members can request or offer books for exchange.

Being a member:

All you have to do is order four books during your first year. After that, you can decide on the number of books you wish to take.

In each of your monthly club magazine, our experienced staff choose a “Book of the Month” for you, which is offered at an extra-special price. If you do not want this book, just say so in the space provided on the form and send it back to us. We always send the book if we do not receive this form.

Once we receive your order, your books will be delivered within one week. And remember, you have up to a fortnight to decide if you wish to keep the books you have ordered. If they aren’t what you expected, just send them back!

1. How can you become a member of the Metropolis?

A．By ordering a Watch free of charge.

B．By sending the advertisement to the club.

C．By choosing books with special prices.

D．By returning the completed order form.

2. What information does the monthly magazine give members?

A．Th percentage saved on each book.

B．The names of all the books sold by the club.

C．The list of the newest books available to buy.

D．The books that can be swapped by club members.

3. What can we infer from the last paragraph of the passage?

A．At least four books should be bought each year.

B．Members can look at the books before they buy them.

C．Members must buy the “Book of the Month”.

D．The more books you buy, the higher your member’s grade will be.

【推荐2】VCU Cabell First Novelist Award

Current Winner

John Englchardt has won the 19th award for Bloomland (Dzanc Books) .

About the Award

The VCU Cabell First Novelist Award honors an outstanding novelist's first work published in the previous calendar year. Winning novelists have written different books, but each is powerful enough in its own way to have moved initial readers and final judges toward the conclusion that, among a field of roughly a hundred submissions annually, its writer has achieved something remarkable and permanent.

How the Award Works

Twice a year, the administrative team sends out a nationwide call for submissions from publishers, editors, agents, and writers themselves. The first round of evaluations is made by volunteer readers. Their rankings and feedback guide the judging process toward three or four finalists, from whom the First Novelist Committee and the winner from the previous year choose the winner of the award. Then the winning author appears at a public reading and Q&A session, followed by a book signing and reception, which focus on the creation, publication, and promotion of a first novel. Travel expenses to and lodging in Richmond for the author and the additional speakers are provided, and the author receives a $5, 000 cash prize.

Mail your book to:

901 Park Ave. Box 842033

Richmond, VA 23284

(804) 828-0593

1. Who is the award intended for?

A．New novelists.

B．Final judges.

C．Outstanding agents.

D．Professional editors.

2. Which of the following may result in disqualification?

A．The book was submitted by mail.

B．The book was published last year.

C．The book was submitted by readers.

D．The book was written by a foreigner.

3. What is the purpose of the book signing and reception?

A．To appreciate the reader fans.

B．To promote the winning book.

C．To show respect for the writer.

D．To advertise the novelist award.

【推荐3】Here are a few of our favorite entries so far in our “Your Life: The Reader’s Digest Version” contest. After reading these, head over to Facebook and submit your own story about a special moment or lesson that shaped your life.

“There will Always Be a John” —By Darla Boyd.

During my first year of teaching, there was a kid named John in my class. John was difficult to control and he nearly drove me crazy. While talking about him one day, an old teacher put his hand on my shoulder and said, “There will always be a John. Your job is to learn, to discover what make him different and help him grow better.” The next year, there was indeed another John. In the last 20 years, I’ve learned to enjoy all the kids like John. That advice taught me that there is something to appreciate in everyone.

“An Early Key Lesson” —By Elaine West.

Before I began my first teaching job, my mother, a teacher of 30 years, gave me a very special gift, five simple words that have had an effect on my entire life: “Make friends with the janitor.” Her wisdom taught me the respect for all types of characters and continue to enrich my life to this day. Just five little words, but what an effect they can have when you take them to heart!

“Raising Mommy” —By Jan Davis.

Being a mother can always present challenges and rewards. Someone told me early in my parenting career that “Children will teach you everything you need to know”. Being a mother is being raised. Our children become our adviser. Their dreams become our professors, as we are taking notes carefully. The sounds of their laughter and smiles on their faces are a great reward to us or bring us great joy. Their tears remind us that it is okay to fail, wipe the tears away and try again.

1. What did the old teacher mean by saying “There will always be a John”?

A．There are always difficult students like John.	B．John will always be an ordinary student.
C．It is important to change John.	D．John is a very common name.

2. What did Elaine West’s mother advise her to do?

A．Take care of janitors.	B．Don’t treat students differently.
C．Don’t judge people by appearance.	D．Respect people from different backgrounds.

3. Which of the following would Jan Davis most probably agree with?

A．A mother should be given more care.

B．A mother improves herself greatly in parenting.

C．Being a mother has more challenges than rewards.

D．Children should realize the dreams of their parents.

4. Which of the following will a new mother benefit most?

A．“Raising Mommy”.	B．“The Reader’s Digest”.
C．“An Early Key Lesson”.	D．“There will Always Be a John”.

5. The text is most probably a(n)________?

A．notice inviting contributions.	B．introduction to a contest.
C．ad for three new books.	D．poster about a lecture.

【推荐1】Heritage: Tomb, 1,200 years old, unearthed

A tomb dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) has been found in Hebei province, according to the local cultural relics protection department.

The tomb was discovered by a villager. A tombstone, two china pieces, 12 items of pottery and some bronze artistic handworks were unearthed. The inscription on the tombstone, measuring 45 centimeters in length and 9 cm in thickness, consists of 323 Chinese characters recording the name, birthplace and life story of its owner and its inscription year in 733. Two china pieces, as well as other artistic handworks, are important to the research of the china craftsmanship of the local kiln(窑), Zhao Xuefeng, a cultural relics expert, said.

Travel: Kung Fu Panda land coming to Beijing Universal

Beijing Resort(度假区), which is expected to open in 2021, has released a short video about its Kung   Fu   Panda   Land   of   Awesomeness.   The   Kung   Fu   Panda   land   will   be   the   first   Kung   Fu Panda-themed land, according to Universal. The entirely indoor experience is designed to transport visitors to “legendary China”. It is based on the animated movie series Kung Fu Panda, bringing to life the brave panda Po with Chinese architecture, festive decoration and excellent performances. The Hollywood film follows the exploits of Po, who wants to be a Kung Fu master.

Films: Saturday Fiction set for screening

Saturday Fiction is set for release in China on Dec 7, according to the China Film Distribution and Exhibition Association. Gong Li plays the role of a film star with a hidden task in the film. Set in Shanghai in 1941, it follows the star who is working undercover gathering intelligence for the Allies( 盟 军 ), while starring in a new play. She discovers the Japanese plan to attack Pearl Harbor but chooses not to share the information. Directed by Lou Ye, the film made its world premiere(首映)at the Venice Film Festival in September.

Tech: 5G smart bus starts trial run

A 5G driver-less microbus started trial operations in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Tuesday. The bus is equipped with 30 smart sensors to help identify obstacles such as pedestrians and vehicles from up to 200 meters away. The smart bus communicates through the road cloud collaborative intelligent system.

Theatre: Lin Zexu to be staged, marking 180^th anniversary of Opium War

Directed by Wang Xiaodi and written by scriptwriter Guo Qihong, the play Lin Zexu features actor Pu Cunxin as the protagonist and actress Xu Fan as Guan Shuqing, Lin’s wife. In 1838, the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) official, was sent to Guangzhou, Guangdong province, to stop the illegal importation of opium by the British. Lin launched the destruction of opium in Humen, a port town, on June 3, 1839. About 1,400 metric tons of opium was destroyed within 23 days. The incident triggered the First Opium War (1839-1842). Marking the 180^th anniversary   of the war, the play will be premiered in Beijing next month. It also incorporates dance to showcase the battle scenes.

1. Which of the following CANNOT reflect Chinese history or traditional culture?

A．The tomb unearthed.	B．The play to be staged.
C．The smart bus on trial.	D．The theme land to be put into operation.

2. What do we know about the film Saturday Fiction?

A．It is about a film star’s private life.	B．It is set in the Second World War.
C．It will make its world premiere on Dec 7.	D．It focuses on Pearl Harbor Attack.

【推荐2】Superb Performance From Affordable Digital Hearing Aid

Chicago Dr. Cherukuri has invented a medical-grade, ALL-DIGITAL，affordable hearing aid.

He knew that untreated hearing loss could lead to depression, social isolation, anxiety, and symptoms consistent with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In his practice he knew that many of his patients would benefit from new digital hearing aids but many couldn’t afford the expense, which is not generally covered by Medicare and most private health insurance policies.

Same Technology as $ 3,500 Hearing Aids

He evaluated all the high-priced digital hearing aids on the market and then created his own affordable version-called MD Hearing Aid AIR for its virtually invisible, light weight appearance. This doctor-designed digital hearing aid delivers clear sound all day long and the soft flexible ear domes are so comfortable that you won’t realize you are wearing them.

This new digital hearing aid is packed with the features of its $3,500 competitors at a small part of the cost. Now most people with hearing loss are able to enjoy crystal clear, natural sound-in a crowd, on the phone, in the wind --without “whistling” and annoying background noise.

Try it at Home with a 45-Day Risk-Free Trial

Of course, hearing is believing, and we invite you to try it for yourself with our RISK-FREE 45-day home trial. If you are not completely satisfied, simply return it within that time period for a full refund of your purchase price.

•Mini Behind-the-Ear Digital Hearing Aid

•Audiologist-Tested

•PDA-Registered

•FREE Shipping in USA

•Batteries Included! Comes Ready to Use

For the Lowest Price Call Today Phone Lines Open 24 Hours EVERY DAY

• Doctor-Recommended

• Nearly Invisible

• Thousands of Satisfied Customers

• 100% Money-Back Guarantee!

FREE Batteries for a Full Year!

1. What is the best advantage of MD Hearing Aid AIR?

A．Fashionable.

B．Low-priced.

C．Visible.

D．Risk-free.

2. From the passage, we know the new product _______.

A．satisfies all the customers	B．is free to use for one year
C．can function without batteries	D．is safe and reliable

3. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To prevent people’s hearing loss.

B．To promote a new hearing aid.

C．To compare two affordable hearing aids.

D．To collect customers’ advice about home trial.

【推荐3】Nao, a small robot, looks like a person. If Nao begged you not to shut it off, what would you do? Would you follow its wishes?

Scientists did a study to see how people treat’ robots that act like people. Eighty-nine people volunteered for the study. They were asked to help to improve Nao’s social skills by finishing two tasks with it

The tasks with the robot didn’t matter, though. What the scientists really wanted to see was how the participants (参与者) reacted once the tasks were over. They were asked to talk with Nao and finally shut Nao off but it was not easy to do. Some people did not want to turn the robot off while others take a long time to do it.

People often communicate with non-human objects such as TVs and computers nowadays. But robots seem more human than TVs. Robots can show social characters themselves, like speaking with human voices or taking the shape of a human body. Scientists said people might have seen Nao’s cries as a sign of independent thought. In turn, this could have led people to see the robot as having human-like characters.

For thousands of years, humans have lived In a world where they are the only ones who could have conversations, the study said. Our brains have learned to react to social situations in a certain way. But our brains are not used to telling the difference between the real people and fake (假的) people. The robot expresses feelings and desires, which gets people to want to treat the robot as if it was alive.

1. What’s the purpose of the study?

A．To test how fast human-like robots do tasks.

B．To improve human-like robots’ facial expressions,

C．To invent human-like robots to keep people company.

D．To learn how people might respond to human-like robots.

2. In the study, what is special about the participants behavior?

A．They had feelings for Nao.	B．They refused Nao’s requests.
C．They shut Nao off immediately,	D．They praised Nao’s social skills.

3. According to Paragraphs 4 and 5, what causes the result of the study?

A．Humans are born to be creative.

B．Humans dislike robots in some ways.

C．Humans don’t often deal with human-like robots.

D．Humans prefer dealing with lifeless objects.

4. The test is most probably taken from u magazine about ________.

A．healthy lifestyles	B．popular science
C．historical events	D．successful people

【推荐1】Last year，my oldest son Matthew went off to college. Things at home were not as“busy”as they used to be. We still had our 15-year-old son Gabriel with us，but we missed having Matthew around.

My wife soon had a crazy idea. “Let’s get a dog. ”she suggested. I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea，but I agreed. I mean，what better way to replace a kid that has gone off to college than to get a dog.

When we got to the animal shelter，it seemed like every dog was a pit bull(比特犬). I'd had many bad experiences with pit bulls as a child，so I didn’t want to take one of them home with me.

While I walked along the rows and rows of cold metal cages，a dog caught my eye. He was scared，and looked like he’d given up on life. There was only one problem：he was a pit bull.

As he looked at me with his big，beautiful eyes，I could see into his soul. I could see how scared he was and that he just wanted a happy life. I couldn’t just walk away—I had to at least go over and look at him. I approached his cage，and he just sat there，looking at me. I stuck my finger through the hole in the cage and petted him on the head. I expected him to get mad，but he didn’t.

I knew that this dog had never felt love before，and that he was enjoying every bit of the love I could give him in that moment. Tears began to stream down my face because I felt everything that this poor creature was feeling right then. He just wanted to be loved；he just wanted a home and a family.

It’s been a year since we took the dog home，and our lives have been changed forever.

Now，his favorite thing to do is give us kisses with his giant tongue every morning. He is always there to greet us when we come home with a huge smile. He’s shown us more love than any other living creature on Earth ever had before. And every time I look into his eyes I see love，compassion(同情)and gratitude—things I never thought that a pit bull was capable of feeling.

1. Why did the author’s wife want to get a dog?

A．Because she likes pit pull.

B．Because she thought it was a crazy idea.

C．Because she wanted the dog to replace her kid.

D．Because their kid went to college.

2. Which word has the similar meaning to the underlined word“thrilled”?

A．Accepted.	B．Excited.
C．Frightened.	D．Delighted.

3. What was the author and his wife’s life like with the pit bull?

A．They missed having Matthew around even more.

B．They found it hard to get along with him.

C．They lived a life full of love.

D．They regretted adopting him.

4. What is the main purpose of the article?

A．To share a warm story about adopting a pet.

B．To stress the benefits of keeping a pet.

C．To suggest people keep a pet of their own.

D．To give advice on how to keep a pet.

【推荐2】How to Be a Space Explorer

$17.99

Ships in 1-2 business days

Buckle up! How to Be a Space Explorer is a practical book for all aspiring （有抱负的） astronauts, packed with jaw-dropping stories from real-life space exploration. Learn how to navigate （导航）black holes, slingshot around Jupiter and survive the freezing depths of space. Suitable for children ages 8-12.

Adventures in Cold Places

$9.99

Ships in 1—2 business days

Brrr, come and explore some of the coldest places in the world! Explore reindeer in Russia, penguins in Antarctica! Decorate real life locations, like the wintery scene in Montreal, chilly ice sculptures（雕塑）in China, polar bears in the North Pole and more cold places with over 250 reusable stickers. Suitable for children ages 3-5.

My Travel Journal

$12.99

Ships in 1—2 business days

Never forget an adventure with this bright and bold journal from Lonely Planet Kids. Packed with writing topic suggestions, lists to complete, ideas for getting the creative juices flowing and lots more fill-in fun, this is the perfect way for young travelers to record their memories from a trip. Suitable for children ages 5-7.

Adventures around the Globe

$12.99

Ships in 1—2 business days

Come and explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, the canals of Venice and the bright lights of New York. Decorate real-life locations, like the sacred river Ganges in India or the mosaics of Park Guell in Spain. With over 250 stickers, your globe-trotting adventure is about to begin! Enjoy hours of fun games, maps and puzzles. Suitable for children ages 3 -5.

1. Who would like to read How to Be a Space Explorer?

A．Astronauts who are young.	B．Students who like travelling around.
C．People who love reading very much.	D．Children who are interested in space.

2. The cheapest book mentioned in the text is _______.

A．My Travel Journal.	B．Adventures in Cold Places.
C．How to Be a Space Explorer.	D．Adventures around the Globe.

3. What is special about My Travel Journal?

A．It has space to write, draw and color.

B．It offers a lot of popular destinations.

C．It shows several great places of interest.

D．It is packed with many records to listen to.

【推荐3】Scientists have learned a lot about the kinds of food people need. They say that there are several kinds of food that people should eat every day, they are: (1)green and yellow vegetables of all kinds; (2)citrus(柑桔)fruits and tomatoes; (3)potatoes and other fruits and vegetables; (4)meat of all kinds, fish and eggs; (5)milk and foods made from milk; (6)bread or cereal(谷类), rice is also in this kind of food; (7)butter, or something like butter.

People in different countries and different places of the world eat different kinds of things. Foods are cooked and eaten in many different kinds of ways. People in different countries eat at different times of the day. In some places people eat once or twice a day; in other countries people eat three or four times a day. Scientists say that none of the differences is really important. It doesn’t matter whether foods are eaten raw or cooked, canned(罐装的)or frozen(冷冻的). It doesn’t matter if a person eats dinner at 4 o'clock in the afternoon or at eleven o'clock at night. The important thing is what you eat every day.

There are two problems, then, in feeding the large number of people on the earth. The first is to find some ways to feed the world’s population so that no one is hungry. The second is to make sure that people everywhere have the right kinds of food to make them grow to be strong and healthy.

1. According to the scientists, which of the following is the healthiest for your lunch?

A．Chicken, apples, cereal and cabbages.	B．Potatoes, carrots, rice and bread.
C．Oranges, bananas, fish and tomatoes.	D．Beef, pork, fish and milk,

2. People in different countries and different places of the world_________.

A．have the right kinds of food to eat	B．cook their food in the same way
C．have their meals at the same time	D．eat food in different ways

3. Which of the following is not true?

A．People in some places don’t have enough to eat.

B．There are too many people in the world.

C．One of the problems is that no one is hungry.

D．The scientists are trying to make people grow to be strong and healthy.

4. If there is Paragraph 4, what do you think is going to be talked about?

A．What to do with the two problems.	B．When people eat their lunch.
C．How to cook food in different ways.	D．Why people eat different kinds of food.